Branch Ame Church

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

Why Homosexuality Is Not Like Other Sins

Homosexuality is not the only sin prohibited in the Bible, but it is different from all the rest, at least right now. And we have really good news for homosexuals.

What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality

There is a lot of unnecessary confusion about what the Bible is really saying about homosexuality. Dr. Michael Brown offers five key scriptural truths that dismantle the modern-day argument that God's Word condones the homosexual ...

How to Worship as a Family

So, what should we do in family worship? It’s simple: read the Bible, pray together, and sing to the Lord.

How Long Should You Stay at Your Church?

With sweat pouring down my cheek, my father said to me: “Put your head down; focus on the path before you. Don’t look to the right or the left. Take your time. Don’t finish quick but finish well.” This is how my dad taught me to mow the lawn. His advice is also relevant to …

10 Traits of a Great Church Member

What kind of members does God use to build a great church<br>As a pastor, I have noticed some trends among church people who help move the church forward. The following is a list of characteristics of those type of people. Not everyone will have every quality, but it’s the combination of each of them in people that builds a great church.<br>Great church members:<br>Believe and love God’s Word.<br>Joshua 1:8 “Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate on it day…

To those who are contemplating leaving the United Methodist Church

I write this letter with an aching heart. I have heard the pain in the voices of so many of you, wondering if it is time to “shake the dust off” and leave your local church. As your bishop, I cannot ask you to stay in a place where your soul cannot be at rest. However, I will share with you why I, a

Does U.S. theological education have a future?

Scholars see a coming shortage of teachers for The United Methodist Church's teachers. They met to discuss the problem and what to do about it.

Real happiness is more than putting on a face

What makes us happy? A United Methodist pastor and a professor agree that it is not about externals we receive or achieve, but an 'inside job.'

6 examples of effective Wesleyan evangelism

United Methodist Harry Denman Award winners show that sharing the good news doesn’t have to be scary or intrusive.

Can health care law save conferences money?

United Methodist conferences, facing mounting health care costs, are turning to the Affordable Care Act for relief.

Could reorganizing agencies boost church vitality?

Plan UMC aims to align denominational resources toward fostering vital congregations. United Methodists debate whether it does.

Does the church have an official Bible?

United Methodists are not restricted to one version of the Bible. Learn why.

What names can we use for God?

Why say "the body of Christ, broken for you"?

Learn the two reasons those words are spoken at communion.

Pacific Beach United Methodist Church

What do these stories say to us about hope for ourselves, for our loved ones and for our hurting world?

What churches can do when students are home on break

When college students return home on break, some struggle to reconnect. United Methodist churches can use these creative ideas to minister to them.

What is a United Methodist?

Does Jesus have something to teach us about toxic busyness?

There's definitely a lot of important things to be done. But is our busyness always productive?